Q: I have a 10 months old child. Our doctor has asked us to get him vaccinated for with prevnar for the prevention of meningitis and pneumonia. Is it a vital vaccine of a child’s immunisation schedule?

A:The vaccine is quite expensive but does offer protection against pneumonia and meningitis, which could occasionally occur in children below 5 years of age. At 10 months of age, the child will require three courses of the vaccine for complete immunization. If you can easily afford the cost of the vaccine, it would be desirable to give it. However, if funds are a major issue, then do not lose sleep over it.